Beach cruiser bikes are a comfortable and durable bike that were at a peak of popularity in the 1950s and 60s and have become popular again in recent years. They are known for their durability, heavy duty frames and thick balloon tires. Beach cruisers have large comfortable seats and low handlebars. They are usually one-speed, and use a coaster brake.
The wide variety of colors is a new improvement in beach cruisers from the original models, though you can still get one in the formerly standard black. Today’s cruisers are made of lighter materials as well. Many bike aficionados modify their bike by extending it and lowering the base. Now there are beach cruiser models that are pre-manufactured stretched out and low riding.
Today’s beach cruisers have their roots in sturdier bikes first produced by Schwinn in the 1930s. They started coming out with 2.125 inch balloon tires. This bicycle was a lot tougher than previous models, and the tires helped navigate potholes, curbs and bumps without getting flat tires or damaging inner tubes. Other manufacturers rapidly copied this design, complete with the balloon tires. These bikes also had a decorative tank and battery-operated headlights. Riders liked the springer fork suspension, motorcycle-style horn, shiny chrome and tanks.
The designs that people add to their bicycles gives them an individual touch. A few beach cruisers are being made today with 3- speeds and more, for biking on more varied terrain. The fat tires of 2 to 2.125 inches are really great for riding on the boardwalk. Bikes often have a metal wire basket attached, and also a back rack and tire fenders, for the easy transport of carry-on objects. These bikes became collector’s items in the early 1980s, with lots of work done in small shops, to restore old bikes to mint condition. The popular film starring Pee-Wee Herman in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure� helped provoke further interest. The film is about Pee Wee Herman’s travels across the country to rescue his stolen beach cruiser bike.
Reproductions of the classic beach cruiser have been popular for some time now. In the mid-1990s, a series of classic cruiser bikes hit the market. These were first a hit with aging Baby Boomers, who remembered the originals and now were reaching an age where a comfortable bike was more exciting than a fast bike. The classic looks, reliable mechanical performance and relatively low price of cruisers also became a hit with young Gen Xers and children even younger. Cruiser sales have continued to rise over the past decade.
Today, beach cruiser bikes are shipped all over the United States, and can be assembled in less than an hour with a small amount of equipment. All you need is a tire pump, screwdriver, Allen wrench, scissors, a 5/8 inch wrench and a 14 mm wrench.
Cruisers are uncomplicated, appealing to those who have had enough of multi-geared bikes and technology all over the place. That’s why they are so comfortable, including their wide seats. Sitting upright, riders can relax and enjoy the scenery instead of bending forward uncomfortably. Models with ten-coat paint jobs and wide fenders are especially treasured. For baby boomers in particular, the new cruisers are the bikes they dreamed of when they were young.
Popularity: 20% [?]
2 responses so far ↓
1 bella // Jun 23, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Nice bikes. I have questions:
Where are the brakes? WHen I was a kid my bike’s brakes were on the pedals, if I wanted to slow/stop all I had to do was begin to pedal backward, that would stop the bike. Are these like that?
I am 5′4 tall, what size should I get, 24 or 26?
2 John // Apr 2, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Yes, the bikes have foot brake (coaster).
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